On most summer days you'll find
vacationers going to the beach at the Jersey Shore, but there's a lot to do on
a rainy or cloudy day as well. The region is full of great spots to keep kids
of all ages entertained and many are free or charge a nominal fee. Here are
some suggestions for our welcomed guests who might not know the Cape May,
Atlantic and southern Ocean County area.

The Jersey Shore has many interesting
lighthouses and tours are available. Check out the website http://www.njlighthouses.com/ for directions and info. In Cape May County you will see the Cape May Lighthouse and the Hereford Inlet Lighthouse in North
Wildwood. In Atlantic City you can visit the Absecon Lighthouse and
in Ocean County, the Barnegat Lighthouse.

Leaming's
Run Gardens on Rt. 9 in Swainton is an oasis of beautiful gardens to walk
through and sit and watch hummingbirds and butterflies. Wear good walking shoes
and a hat and spend a few minutes sitting in the gazebo. http://www.leamingsrungardens.com/

For those interested in touring a home from
1775 and seeing exhibits including furnishings, costumes, tools and decorative
objects the Cape May County Museum is a great place to explore. On Rt. 9- Exit 11 off the Parkway in North Cape
May Court House. http://www.cmcmuseum.org/

Cape May Trolley tours
and horse-drawn carriages are a great way to learn about this charming Victorian town by
the sea. At night it's a romantic way to see the town and do a little "parlor
peeking." You can also tour the Physick
Estate, http://www.capemaymac.org/

I also ‘love' to get
take-out seafood and eat on the docks at the
Lobster House, the freshest seafood in the world and you can watch the
fishing boats unload their catch-of-the day. Every year we enjoy the Southern
Buffet on Sunday Nights at the Chalfonte
Hotel. The food is fabulous and Lucille's rolls are ‘to die for'! Tell her
I told you! She told me her secret ingredient last year, but I'll never tell!

Cold Spring Village is a charming re-enactment
village near Cape May, including 25 restored buildings with costumed
interpreters. Check out the site for weekend festivities including Railroad
Days, an Antique Show and War Re-enactments. http://www.hcsv.org/ I love this place!

The Cape May County Zoo, off exit 11 of the Parkway, is a great way to
spend an afternoon and maybe even pack a lunch. The zoo is free, although
donations are accepted. You will be delighted to see the new baby bears,
giraffes, lions and zebras. It is well kept and there is a gift shop and food
vendors on the premises. For more info http://www.thejerseycape.net/

Another great trip is to visit the Wetland's
Institute, "a great place to learn about conservation and preservation of
coastal ecosystems by providing a fun and educational experience for families
and vacationers of all ages!" It's on the causeway going into Stone Harbor in
Cape May County- Parkway Exit 10B. Admission. http://www.wetlandsinstitute.org/

The Ocean City Museum is a great way to
learn about the history of this seaside resort voted ‘the #1 Family Beach Resort in the Nation.' The museum is located at 18th and Simpson Ave. Come
and learn about the history of Ocean City formerly called Peck's Beach and
visit their gift shop. Learn about the Sindia shipwreck. Free! http://www.ocnjmuseum.org/

Then moving up the coast to Atlantic County, Lucy the Elephant is a must see for
children and the folks at home will love to see pictures of this 65-foot high
wooden elephant that once was a hotel in Margate, NJ. http://lucytheelephant.org/ Book lovers must purchase the book "Lucy the Elephant & Sami the Mouse"
and their new book too, "Sami & Lucy 2: The Birthday Party."

While on Absecon Island, check out the Atlantic City Historical Museum, http://www.acmuseum.org on the boardwalk near Showboat. Call (609) 347-5839.
Open 10 am to 4 pm. It is
free to the public.

Further north in Atlantic City
is Gardner's Basin and the Ocean Life Center, http://www.gardnersbasin.com/,
"a fun and educational look into more than 100
varieties of fish and marine animals.". Open daily from 10 am to 5 pm,
348-2880. While there go for a boat ride or enjoy at meal at the Flying Cloud.
The whole area is enjoying revitalization.

Storybook Land is a great
kiddie park located on Rt. 322/40 between the Hamilton Mall and the Shore Mall,
10 miles west of Atlantic City, in Cardiff, EHT. storybook attractions and unlimited rides. http://www.storybookland.com

A short drive from Atlantic City north on
Rt. 9 is Historic Smithville. It's a
fun place for dining, shopping with 60 shops and there is a little village to
walk through. Be sure to cross the bridge and try the paddle boats. http://www.smithvillenj.com/

Save time for the Tuckerton Seaport, a maritime village celebrating the early
settler's who were baymen. See decoy carvers and clamming exhibits and
climb to the top of the replica of the Tucker's Island Lighthouse. (609)
296-8868. Rt 9 Tuckerton. Enjoy lunch at Skeeter's Seafood Café. http://www.tuckertonseaport.org/ Open 10 - 5 pm.

Most of all have a good time and spend quality, educational time with your
children. Why not go off the beaten path and learn something while you're at
it. I can't believe the summer is almost over! September is one of our
greatest months! Make sure to stop and smell the roses.

For more
information e-mail me at
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All photos taken by
Jennifer.

Last Updated ( Aug 01, 2016 at 10:33 AM )

Ocean City's Bounce House is Open!

Written by Jennifer Palermo

Jul 01, 2014 at 09:38 AM

Ocean City's Bounce House is Open!

The Boardwalk Bounce is a great new family entertainment spot
on Ocean City Boardwalk at 9th Street.